Intravenous Platelet Blockade with Cangrelor during PCI

Cangrelor is an intravenous ADP-receptor blocker that interferes with platelet function. With a primary end point of death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization, cangrelor was not superior to placebo in patients undergoing PCI. However, there were fewer stent thromboses and deaths in the cangrelor group, leading the authors to suggest that cangrelor deserves further study. With a primary end point of death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization, cangrelor was not superior to placebo in patients undergoing PCI. However, there were fewer stent thromboses and deaths in the cangrelor group. Blockade of the platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor has been demonstrated to improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 1 – 5 In patients undergoing coronary stenting, ticlopidine given with aspirin was found to decrease the risk of stent thrombosis and other important ischemic complications, as compared with aspirin alone or aspirin plus warfarin. 6 Ticlopidine was ultimately replaced by clopidogrel as the ADP-receptor blocker of choice because of the drug's improved profile for side effects and adverse events. 7 Despite its efficacy, clopidogrel has a delayed onset of action, even when given with a loading dose; it also does not . . .